Student Handbook Central Aikido Central Aikido Student Handbook Introduction 2 What is Aikido? 3 History of Aikido and O-Sensei 4 General Principals of Aikido 5 United States Aikido Federation 7 USAF Mission & Bylaws 8 Central Aikido 9 Dojo Culture A Point of Etiquette 11 Anatomy of the Dojo 12 All About Bowing 14 Entering & Leaving the Dojo 14 Stepping on the Mat 14 Opening & Closing Class 15 Dojo Cleaning & Other Points of Etiquette 16 A Note on Japanese Names & Titles 17 The Senpai/Kohai Relationship 19 The Gi & the Hakama 20 Weapons Training 21 Aikido Training 22 Being Uke 23 Appropriate Ukemi 25 When Aikido Gets Tough 27 Some Common Problems 29 The Path of Promotion 31 Examination Etiquette 32 Your First Test: Rokukyu (6th Kyu) 33 Gokyu-Ikkyu Exams 34 Dan Level Exams 35 Appendix I – Useful Phrases & Lexicon 36 Appendix II – Central Aikido Constitution 37 1 Central Aikido Student Handbook Introduction Why a Student Handbook? Welcome to Aikido Here we hope to answer all your questions, asked As a new student, you have made a commitment and unasked, about your aikido training and dojo to study Aikido; a commitment we hope you will experience. While the handbook is an expansion of pursue with sincerity. The process of learning this the USAF New Student Guide, much of the content art is a journey and on it you will experience new is new and unique to this edition, drafted expressly ideas, physical challenges and no small degree of for our students. We want to express our deep frustration. Just remember, all of us have stood gratitude to Yamada Shihan and the Technical where you are now standing–at the beginning. We Committee members who made the original understand how it feels to immerse yourself in a Student Guide. new environment that is exciting, confusing and even somewhat intimidating. There are many things when starting Aikido that are often strange and confusing. Not being born in People study Aikido for many different reasons. Japan and raised in the dojo, it can be hard to You may be drawn to the art for exercise, self figure out the etiquette and customs. It can even defense, spiritual development, self realization or be difficult for students who have had previous any number of reasons. All are valid and all have a martial arts training. The way a dojo operates may, place in Aikido. The art is infinitely flexible and at times, seem antiquated. You may catch yourself adaptive and will meet any/all of those needs for wondering why we do these strange things – after the sincere practitioner. Like any truly worthwhile all, we’re not in Japan. What you learn is endeavor, it will not always be easy. However, if important, but so too is how you learn it. Moreover, you persevere, you will find that your life will be uniformity between dojo means you can attend enriched in many ways. Consistent Aikido practice classes elsewhere, even join other dojo, and not improves one’s physical conditioning–strength, have to always start over. You can attend balance, flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular seminars and know what to expect, and what health–and one’s mental conditioning–self- others expect of you. You can travel abroad, even confidence, concentration, perception, alertness, to Japan and Hombu Dojo and fit in. Think of the and concern for others. Aikido teaches one how to dojo culture as driving a car. If we all know the focus mind, body, and spirit into a vital, perceptive, rules, we all stay safe. It’s the one rogue car going and engaging sense of awareness. In short, Aikido speeding down the wrong lane that causes the is a vehicle for physical, mental and spiritual head-on collision. transformation. We hope, through this handbook, to provide you However different our reasons may be for coming with the means to understand the culture and to practice, we all share a common medium, etiquette, and find your lane. We aim to make it Aikido, and through that medium, a common easier for you to practice Aikido in a safe, culture. In addition to learning new ways of moving respectful environment. It is meant to be a starting and being in your body, you are also entering into point into the culture, but does not cover an environment which is steeped in aspects of everything. It is also not meant to be read in one Japanese culture which may seem somewhat sitting, but instead taken in pieces and digested as esoteric even to modern Japanese. It is the you near your first kyu test. And read again later as purpose of this guide to provide you with an you advance through the ranks. understanding of the dojo environment and the cultural framework within which our training takes We hope this answers all your questions, even the place. It is our hope that this guide will encourage ones you didn’t know you had, and sets you well you as you start on your path and help you to feel on your way in your practice of Aikido. You may welcome in the world of Aikido. find you have questions not answered here, or that you need more clarification. Your senior students and instructors are always here and happy to help guide you on your way. 2 Central Aikido Student Handbook What Is Aikido? The name “Aikido” is composed of three Japanese words/kanji: “ai” (harmony) Fundamentally, Aikido is the “way of the spirit of harmony”. However, the word “Aikido” can be translated as the “way of “ki” (energy/spirit) blending energy”, or the “path of unity with the fundamental force of nature”. Traditionally, however, it is the Way of Peace. Aikido is a true budo or martial way that evolved in the historic “do” (way or path) tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, budo is more than a science of tactics and self defense. It is a discipline for perfecting the spirit of the practitioner. Aikido is a paradox: it is an extremely effective form of self defense but it is also considered by many to be a path of peace and reconciliation. Some dojo lean more towards one side of this equation than the other. Don’t forget that the Founder, O-Sensei arrived at his deep state of understanding only after many years of rigorous, martial training; it would be extremely presumptuous to think that we can start where he left off! So, is Aikido a path of peace or a martial art? The answer is, if it isn’t both, it is neither. Although Aikido’s techniques are derived from centuries old Samurai battle tactics, the art in its modern form was created during the first half of the twentieth century by an extraordinary martial artist, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Ueshiba (referred to by his students as O-Sensei, ((cid:0)(cid:1)(cid:2) or (cid:1)(cid:2) "Great (cid:3) Teacher") was a remarkable individual. As a young man, he studied and became expert at several traditional forms of Japanese martial arts including sword and spear arts as well as empty hand combat (Jiu-Jitsu). A deeply spiritual man, O-Sensei brooded over the futility of a path based on violence and domination over others. Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, he struggled with this dilemma for many years. In a moment of profound awakening, O-Sensei realized that winning at the expense of another was, at best, a temporary victory which ultimately leads to one’s own destruction. The essence of this revelation is contained in his statement, "Masakatsu Agatsu" (true/correct victory is victory over oneself). Transformed by this spiritual insight, O-Sensei’s technical mastery evolved into a martial art of refinement and astonishing power, fundamentally different from those which preceded it. "The secret of Aikido," he wrote, "is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself." In his later years, O-Sensei maintained that the warrior’s path is a path of love ("AI"), a way to overcome the discord within ourselves and bring peace to the world, "To make the heart of the universe one's own heart." He said, "Aikido is not an art to fight with or defeat enemies. It is a Way to bring all people together as one family. The essence of Aikido is to put oneself in tune with the guiding principles of the universe. Those who have grasped the inner meaning of Aikido have the universe within themselves". O-Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not mere theory," he said. "You must practice it." Aikido offers us the opportunity to put these high ideals into practice and make them manifest in the physical reality of our day-to-day existence. At the core of almost all philosophical interpretations of aikido, however, we may identify at least two fundamental threads: (1) A commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible. (2) A commitment to self-improvement through aikido training. 3 Central Aikido Student Handbook O-Sensei & the History of Aikido Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883. As a boy, he often saw local thugs beat up his father for political reasons. He set out to make himself strong so that he could take revenge. He devoted himself to hard physical conditioning and eventually to the practice of martial arts, receiving certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. In spite of his impressive physical and martial capabilities, however, he felt very dissatisfied. He began delving into religions in hopes of finding a deeper significance to life, all the while continuing to pursue his studies of budo, or the martial arts. By combining his martial training with his religious and political ideologies, he created the modern martial art of aikido. Ueshiba decided on the name "aikido" in 1942 (before that he called his martial art "aikibudo" and "aikinomichi"). O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba On the technical side, aikido is rooted in several styles of jujitsu (from which modern 1883-1969 judo is also derived), in particular daitoryu-(aiki)jujitsu, as well as sword and spear fighting arts. Oversimplifying somewhat, we may say that aikido takes the joint locks and throws from jujitsu and combines them with the body movements of sword and spear fighting. However, we must also realize that many aikido techniques are the result of Master Ueshiba’s own innovation. On the religious side, Ueshiba was a devotee of one of Japan’s so-called "new religions", Omotokyo. Omotokyo was (and is) part neo-Shintoism, and part socio-political idealism. One goal of Omotokyo has been the unification of all humanity in a single "heavenly kingdom on earth" where all religions would be united under the banner of Omotokyo. It is impossible sufficiently to understand many of O-sensei's writings and sayings without keeping the influence of Omotokyo firmly in mind. Nidai Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba 1921-1999 Despite what many people think or claim, there is no unified philosophy of aikido. What there is, instead, is a disorganized and only partially coherent collection of religious, ethical, and metaphysical beliefs which are only more or less shared by aikidoka, and which are either transmitted by word of mouth or found in scattered publications about aikido. Some examples: "Aikido is not a way to fight with or defeat enemies; it is a way to reconcile the world and make all human beings one family." "The essence of aikido is the cultivation of ki." "The secret of aikido is to become one with the universe." "Aikido is primarily a way to achieve physical and psychological self-mastery." "The body is the concrete unification of the physical and spiritual created by the universe." And so forth. Sandai Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba 1951- After O-Sensei passed away on April 26, 1969, the Japanese government posthumously declared Morihei Ueshiba a Sacred National Treasure of Japan. O-Sensei's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, inherited the title Doshu (Leader of the Way). He continued his father’s work at Hombu Dojo (Aikido World Headquarters) until he passed away in 1999. Today, O-Sensei's grandson, the third Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, continues to enlighten the lives of men, women and children from over seventy countries throughout the world. You are now a part of a world-wide network of Aikido practitioners. As such, you may soon find yourself meeting, interacting and making friends with Aikido practitioners from around the world. 4 Central Aikido Student Handbook General Principles of Aikido Aikido is a purely defensive art based on the principle of Dynamics Of Aikido active non-resistance. Rather than meeting violence with The essence of all Aikido technique is the use of total body movements to create spherical motion around a reciprocal violence, the aikidoka (practitioner) learns to stable, energized center. Even when a technique evade and re-direct the power and energy of the attack appears to be using only one part of the body, close resulting in the attacker being unbalanced and observation reveals the aikidoka's movements are, in fact, total body movements. Properly executed, some subsequently either projected (thrown) or immobilized techniques are spectacular; sending an opponent flying (pinned). Thus, it is the attacker’s own force and momentum through the air. Others are small, deft movements that which ultimately neutralize the aggression. Since the immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved aikidoka never meets force with force, the techniques can through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it be effectively applied even with a larger, stronger attacker is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the or (at the higher levels of the art) with multiple attackers. attacker. While all traditional arts emphasize defense, Aikido stands alone in that it's highly developed standard of ethics are Aikido Training manifest in the techniques themselves. Great emphasis is The final aim of Budo is personal transformation. Its placed on using the minimum amount of force necessary to goal is the creation of integrated human beings who are neutralize an attacker’s will and desire to fight, while able to bring the totality of their wisdom and capabilities simultaneously seeking to protect the assailant from the in order to resolve a problem. Yet philosophical discussion is rare in the dojo (training hall). The focus is more extreme consequences of his own violence. highly practical. Constant repetition to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing is the Partner practice fundamental requirement. Students train themselves to capture the opponent's action and redirect it with Do not be mistaken; Aikido is budo. Aikido techniques are techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same extremely powerful and some have the potential to cause time, they become aware of the tendency to overreact to pain, injury, or even death. For this reason, Aikido practice opposition, and learn to remain centered under all conditions. must always be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and Most practice is done with a partner. Each works at his cooperation. Unlike most other martial arts, there is very or her own level of ability, alternating as uke (the little solo or “kata” practice in Aikido. (The exception being attacker), and nage (the one who receives the attack). some weapons training.) Since our goal is the blending of Both roles are stressed as each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control. our energy with that of another, practice is done with a Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development “partner” not an “opponent”. Many people, when first occur naturally as a result of training, but the techniques exposed to the art, note that, “it looks like the attacker is just themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness. Since Aikido's movements and techniques arise from going along with the technique.” That is because that is the most efficient utilization of the entire being, great exactly what they are doing! While this may be difficult to power can be developed by the practitioner, regardless understand in the “win/lose” context of modern sport, it of physical strength. Aikido practice encompasses a broad range of training styles, and allows people to train becomes very clear when one actually experiences the based on their individual stage of development. As a power of Aikido. To resist an accomplished aikidoka’s result, Aikido can be practiced by men, women and technique is not only foolish, it is downright dangerous. If children of all ages. competition were allowed, we would have to eliminate many of our most powerful techniques because of the risk of Centering serious injury. The aikidoka develops a relaxed posture in which the weight of the body is directed towards its physiologic center in the lower abdomen. Gravity is no longer a Always remember that your partner is, in essence, loaning force to be overcome. Rather it serves to support and you their body so that you can perfect your movement. You stabilize posture. As a result, ordinary movement must always respect each individual’s unique situation, assumes an appearance of grace and economy. The effects of centering are mental as well as physical. In taking into account differences in age, size, strength, addition, vitality increases, the senses are sharpened, physical condition etc. Don’t forget that for every throw or and one is less affected by the irritations and pin that you execute, your partner will get to “return the annoyances of daily living. This state is referred to in favor” so be sure to treat others the same way you wish Japan as having hara, or strong ki. It is a manifestation of the inner quality which aids the student of Aikido to them to treat you. Everyone on the mat is there to learn and develop to his or her fullest potential in every area of help their partners learn and improve. Practice should be life. serious yet joyful, energetic yet supportive. Remember, Aikido is not a sport or a game; there are no tournaments or other forms of competition in Aikido. It is each student’s responsibility to bring only positive, constructive energy onto the mat. 5 Central Aikido Student Handbook O-Sensei left as his legacy six guidelines for Aikido, known as the "Reminders in Aikido Practice". While Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the son of O’Sensei states in his book, “The Spirit of Aikido”, that since these guidelines were written in 1935 some of the language may seem archaic. He has thus offered an interpretation on his father's teachings. O-Sensei’s Doshu's Interpretation of Reminders in Aikido Practice Reminders in Aikido Practice Aikido decides life and death in a single strike, so students must carefully follow the Proper Aikido can never be mastered unless instructor’s teaching and not compete to see one strictly follows the instructor’s teaching. who is the strongest. Aikido is the way that teaches how one can Aikido as a martial art is perfected by being deal with several enemies. Students must alert to everything going on around us and train themselves to be alert not just to the leaving no vulnerable opening (suki). front but to all sides and the back. Training should always be conducted in a Practice becomes joyful and pleasant once one pleasant and joyful atmosphere. has trained enough not to be bothered by pain. The instructor teaches only one small aspect Do not be satisfied with what has been taught at of the art. Its versatile applications must be the dojo. One must constantly digest, discovered by each student through experiment, and develop what one has learned. incessant practice and training. In daily practice first begin by moving your body and then progress to more intensive One should never force things unnaturally or practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably in practice. He should undertake unreasonably. If this rule is followed, then training suited to his body, physical condition even elderly people will not hurt themselves and age. and they can train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere. The purpose of Aikido is to train mind and body and to produce sincere, earnest people. Since all the techniques are to be transmitted The aim of Aikido is to develop the truly human person-to-person, do not randomly reveal self. It should not be used to display ego. them to others, for this might lead to their being used by hoodlums. 6 Central Aikido Student Handbook United States Aikido Federation Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan began his training as an uchi-deshi (live in student) of the founder in 1957. In those days, Aikido was not known to the general public. One had to have several character references to be allowed to train. As an uchi-deshi, Yamada Sensei lived in the dojo, took four or five classes per day and was also responsible for maintaining the dojo as well as taking care of the personal needs of O- Sensei and his family. In 1964, Yamada Sensei came to New York to participate in the New York World’s Fair. Beginning with a small group of students who were already practicing Aikido, he formed the New York Aikikai which he still heads. In 1966 Mitsunari Kanai Shihan, another of the Founder’s uchi-deshi, arrived in the U.S. and began teaching at the New England Aikikai in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Aikido had firmly taken root on the east coast. In 1972, Akira Tohei Shihan left his teaching post at Hombu dojo and moved to Chicago where he established the Midwest Aikido Center in 1975. In 1981, Kazuo Chiba Shihan, who was also an uchi-deshi of the Founder, arrived in California and founded San Diego Aikikai. These four original students of O-Sensei, along with Yoshioka Shihan in Hawaii formed the United States Aikido Federation with Yamada and Kanai Shihan representing the East Coast, Tohei Shihan the Midwest, Chiba Shihan heading the West Coast with Yoshioka Shihan heading the Hawaiian region. In 1988, Seiichi Sugano Shihan, another of the Founder’s uchi-deshi arrived in New York. After many years of instructing in Europe and Australia, Sugano Sensei joined Yamada Sensei at the New York Aikikai. Unfortunately, Tohei Shihan, Kanai Shihan, Yoshioka Shihan and Sugano Shihan have since passed away. Thus, while the USAF was originally divided into four regions, this is no longer the case. The geographic regions became less relevant as students from each region became teachers, many of whom moved outside of their original regions. Since a student’s primary loyalty is to Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan Hachidan (8th Dan) his/her teacher and the central USAF organization, it no longer made President, USAF sense to maintain a structure based on geographical boundaries. Hence, in 2005, the USAF was reconfigured as one organization. There are currently over two hundred USAF Aikikai affiliated member dojo. The USAF currently has 25 Shihan within North America. 7 Central Aikido Student Handbook USAF Mission & Bylaws The United States Aikido Federation (USAF) is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. The direction and management of the USAF is carried out by a Board of Directors and the Technical Committee. The purposes and principle of the USAF as codified in its by-laws are: a) to spread and maintain the integrity of the martial art of Aikido, as created, developed and exemplified by O-Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, and spread by the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. b) To develop and guide the practice of Aikido and its instruction as it is established at Hombu and disseminated by the USAF, a New York not-for-profit corporation. c) To promote and develop good will and friendship, and to improve lines of communication, among members of the USAF and other Hombu recognized organizations. d) To register approved Dan grades with Hombu as laid down in the international regulations of Hombu. e) To standardize Kyu grading consistent with and as described in the international regulations of Hombu. f) To represent, defend and promote the interests of members of the USAF. g) To support and promote Aikido as created by the Founder Morihei Ueshiba, and spread under the direction of Hombu. h) To carry out such other activities as are permitted by the laws of the State of New York and necessary or incidental to the achievement of the above purposes. The USAF Technical Committee provides guidance in all matters pertaining to technique, testing requirements and rank promotions. All Yudansha (black belts) are vetted by USAF Shihan (Master Instructors), Instructors (Shidoin), and Assistant Instructors (Fukushidoin). While Shihan are appointed by the Aikikai World Headquarters, certification for Shidoin and Fukushidoin is granted by the USAF Technical Committee to assure that the quality of instruction is consistent throughout the organization. The USAF also provides a direct connection to Hombu Dojo, the Ueshiba family and the International Aikido Federation, of which, the USAF is the sole United States representative to that international Aikido congress. Members of the USAF are proud that the Aikido being taught in their dojo is a direct transmission of the art, passed down from O-Sensei to his most senior students, to us. 8 Central Aikido Student Handbook Central Aikido In April 2009, Cliff Fuller and Tom Burden, coming from two very different Aikido backgrounds, founded the Aikido @ Central student organization of the University of Central Missouri. Originally a group for the practicing non-organization specific aikido, it quickly became evident that to practice techniques, someone had to teach them. By October the club had integrated into the Blue Springs Aikido Schools organization. In 2012 Central Aikido and Blue Springs Aikido split and Central became a full dojo of its own. Today Central Aikido operates as a Our Lineage full dojo within the United States Aikido Federation. The unique Aikido Moruhei Ueshiba, Founder background of our instructors brings 1883-1969 to the mat some of the wisdom of numerous great sensei, creating an experience not normally found in other dojo. Our Mission The mission of Central Aikido, its instructors and officers, is to provide a traditional Aikido training environment in a cohesive and effective manner. Transmitting and perpetuating the philosophy, discipline and techniques of Aikido as established by the Founder. To improve the mental and physical health of University of Central Missouri Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th Dan students and the surrounding community by using Aikido as an engine to train and enable members to maintain a healthy and balanced life while promoting personal safety, responsibility and unity. To help, as best we can, fulfill the vision of O-Sensei, the United States Aikido Federation and Hombu Dojo. Linda Lee Vecchio, 7th Dan 9